The Boston Celtics have the chance to capitalize on a downright shocking 2021 NBA Draft first round. Several players were drafted well ahead of their projection, and some picks were not seen coming due to the teams drafting them already having their positions filled.
Some players not previously thought to be available have now hit the trade block. Others look like they are just about out the door.
Here are 3 players that could be available by trade following the 2021 NBA Draft:
Player #1 Boston Celtics could trade for: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Josh Giddey was seen as a potential late lottery steal, but the Oklahoma City Thunder decided to swing for the fences and land the point forward with the #6 pick.
In doing so, they are making it clear that Giddey is the man in OKC. As he should be. With the team still so far away from contention in an increasingly competitive Western Conference, now is the time to hand the Aussie the ball.
In doing so, they’d be ripping the ball out of Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s hands. SGA was already rumored to be available in a deal, but now he is practically the next man out the door in the Sooner State.
As a 23-point-per-game scorer, Gilgeous-Alexander could be the third wheel–or even second wheel–in the Boston Celtics offense. At 23, he’s the exact age that makes for glove fit alongside the Jays in pursuit of banner #18.
Royce Young believes he is set to be extended, but you just never know in the NBA. There was smoke before, and this only amplifies it. Perhaps Giddey could play on the wing, but the Thunder’s love of acquiring draft picks could lead to another blockbuster in a continuation of OKC being in the middle of the NBA’s transaction cycle.